Abstract: A reed valve is fitted in an intake port member formed on a crankcase of an engine and the flange of the reed valve is placed between the respective joining surfaces of the intake port member and an intake manifold. A water jacket is formed in a circumferential wall of the intake port member or the intake manifold, or water jackets are formed on both the intake port member and the intake manifold to cool the reed valve by cooling water for a forced cooling. When the water jacket is formed on the intake port member, a gasket of a metal is placed between the joining surface of the intake port member and the flange of the reed valve. The reed valve cooling apparatus can effectively cool the reed valve with cooling water.

Abstract: A linkless variable valve mechanism includes a rocker arm having a first end and a second end. A rocker roller is carried by the first end of the rocker arm, and engages an input cam lobe disposed upon an input shaft. A frame member having a first end and a second end is pivotally mounted upon the input shaft. The first end of the frame member is pivotally coupled to a control shaft, and the second end is pivotally coupled to the second end of the rocker arm. An output cam is pivotally mounted upon the input shaft. An output cam follower is attached to the output cam, and includes an inside surface. A sliding block is pivotally coupled to the second end of the rocker arm and engages the inside surface of the cam follower.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for a variably operated engine valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine, a phase converter is disposed to variably control at least one of a displacement and an open-and-closure timing of an engine valve; an oil pump to supply a hydraulic to operate the phase converter, a reversible motor of DC type is disposed to drivingly revolve the oil pump, and a controller is disposed to output a drive current to the reversible motor according to an engine driving condition, the controller controlling a revolution direction of the oil pump via the reversible motor at least when an operation of the phase converter is switched.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine housing and a crankshaft supported for rotation within the engine housing and rotatable in a starting direction to start said engine. At least one cup is fixedly mounted to the crankshaft for rotation therewith. A starter shaft is supported by the engine housing for rotation. A spring housing includes a circumferential flange that defines an annular track with the at least one cup, and a spring is housed within the spring housing. The spring has a first end interconnected with the spring housing and a second end interconnected with the engine housing. A friction roller is movable into the annular track and into engagement with both of the circumferential flange and the at least one cup to cause rotation of the spring housing and loading of the spring in response to rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus of a vehicle having an air conditioner that has a variable displacement compressor is disclosed. The pressure difference between two points in a refrigeration circuit is monitored. The pressure difference represents the compressor displacement. The compressor is controlled by a control valve. The control valve operates based on the pressure difference. A controller compares the temperature of the passenger compartment with a temperature setting. If they differ, the controller determines a target pressure difference for the control valve. The controller computes the compressor torque based on the target pressure difference signal. The controller determines a target engine torque based on the compressor torque and controls the engine based on the target engine torque.

Abstract: A throttle adjusting apparatus for use with a machinery for soil management includes a throttle cable. The throttle cable has one end portion to which a throttle valve, a choke valve, and a fuel cock are connected. The apparatus further includes a throttle lever. The throttle lever is disposed to pivot in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a central axis of a grip mounted to a handle of the machinery. The throttle lever is connected to another end portion of the throttle cable. The throttle valve, the choke valve, and the fuel cock are operated simultaneously by means of the throttle lever.

Abstract: Fuel injectors, for hydraulically actuated fuel systems with complex seals so high pressure oil can be confined, are assembled in an engine head with a tool that fits with part of the injector. Tool posts have ends that fit in holes of a bracket. The posts are configured to provide clearance from part of the injector above the bracket. The tool drives the injector in place when a surface of the tool is stuck. After using the tool to drive an injector in place, fasteners to secure the injector to the head are inserted through the bracket holes.

Abstract: In a fuel injection control system for an internal combustion engine, a fuel atomization device is provided to atomize fuel injected at the time of engine starting. The fuel atomization device may be a type which increases fuel pressure to a higher value at the time of engine starting than after the engine starting. Alternatively, the fuel atomization device may be a type which supplies assist air to the injected fuel. An intake valve is opened for a longer period at the time of engine starting than after the engine starting, so that more fuel may be supplied to an engine cylinder. A fuel leakage which may occur during engine stop is estimated, and the amount of fuel to be injected at the time of next engine starting after the engine stop is corrected by the estimated amount of fuel leakage. Fuel injection timing at the time of engine starting is retarded relative to that of post-engine starting.

Abstract: A fuel delivery module for an automotive fuel delivery system includes a reservoir and a fuel pump. The fuel pump delivers fuel from the tank to the reservoir via a fuel tank inlet and reservoir outlet and from the reservoir to the engine via a reservoir inlet and engine outlet. The reservoir is formed with a plurality of contaminant traps for collecting contaminants contained in the fuel as the fuel is pumped through the reservoir such that the contaminants settle unto said contaminant traps thereby reducing the amount of contaminants entering the reservoir inlet.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus for an evaporative emission control system which includes a fuel tank, a canister for adsorbing evaporative fuel generated in the fuel tank, a charging passage for connecting the canister and the fuel tank, a purge passage for connecting the canister and an intake system of an internal combustion engine, a vent passage for opening the canister to atmospheric air, an evaporative fuel passage for connecting the fuel tank and the intake system, a first control valve interposed in the charging passage for opening and closing the charging passage, a second control valve interposed in the purge passage for opening and closing the purge passage, a third control valve interposed in the vent passage for opening and closing the vent passage, a fourth control valve interposed in the evaporative fuel passage for opening and closing the evaporative fuel passage, is disclosed.

Abstract: Organic matter and metal impurities present on the surface of a photomask are removed. Foreign matter still adhering to the surface of the photomask is removed with H2 gas dissolved water. The photomask is dried. Thus provided is a method of washing a photomask in a manner which permits attaining an effect of removing foreign matter equivalent or superior to that of a conventional method with a small amount of chemical solution and reducing the amounts of chemicals and high purity water.

Abstract: A plasma cleaning method for removing deposits in a CVD chamber. The method includes introducing a cleaning gas comprising a fluorine-based gas into the chamber. A plasma is formed by exposing the cleaning gas to an inductive field generated by resonating a radio frequency current in a RF antenna coil. A plasma cleaning step is performed by contacting interior surfaces of the chamber with the plasma for a time sufficient to remove the deposits on the interior surfaces. An advantage of the plasma cleaning method is that it allows for in-situ cleaning of the chamber at high rates, thereby effectively reducing equipment downtime. The method has particular applicability in the cleaning of a PECVD process chamber.

Abstract: A method is for removing residue of plastic from metal parts of plastic packages of semiconductor devices, e.g., heat-sinks and terminals. The surfaces to be treated are subjected to pulsed laser radiation. The wavelength is chosen in such a way that residue of plastic in thin films have good transparency to the radiation, and the metal has a high absorption capacity with respect to the radiation. Moreover, the intensity and duration of application of the radiation causes the formation of plasma at the point of impact of the radiation with the surface to be treated.

Abstract: A method for use in the manufacture of a microelectronic device is set forth. The method include to a first step in which a workpiece including exposed metallized surfaces and residues is provided. The workpiece, including the exposed metallized surfaces, is then treated with an alkaline, water-based solution containing one or more components that form an additive layer of an anti-corrosive compound on the exposed metallized surfaces. The solution reacts with the residues and assists in removing them from the workpiece. When the surfaces are principally comprised of aluminum, the solution may be comprised of DI water, an ammonium hydroxide based component, such as TMAH, silicic acid, and aluminum hydroxide.

Abstract: A method for removing scales formed on iron-based metal alloy containing Ni and/or Cr comprising contacting the metal alloy with a pickling solution containing nitrates and fluorides as essential components. The nitrates and fluorides used for the method are superior to the mixture of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid in pickling efficiency, fundamental elimination of noxious gas; and optional abbreviation of pre-treatment before pickling. The pickling solution may also contain auxiliary component. A pickling composition containing nitrates and fluorides and a regenerating method of spent pickling solution is also provided.

Abstract: A processing tank has at least one fluid distribution device for introducing a treatment fluid. The fluid distribution device has at least one porous hollow rod, at least one porous plate, at least one capillary plate, or at least one single-ply or multi-ply fabric.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photovoltaic power generating structure in which a solar cell module is arranged on a base member, wherein a closed space portion cut off from the air is provided between the base member and the solar cell module. Thus, there can be provided the photovoltaic power generating structure which can be easily constructed at a low installation cost, can maintain a good output as a photovoltaic power generating system, is excellent in environmental resistance, and can improve a fire-proof performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic module including a plurality of concentrators each having a light-incident plane and a reflection plane, and photo detectors each being in contact with one of the concentrators, which is capable of effectively trapping light and effectively generating power throughout the year even if the module is established such that sunlight at the equinoxes is made incident on the light-incident planes not perpendicularly but obliquely from the right, upper side, for example, in the case where the module is established in contact with a curved plane of a roof or the like.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a semiconductor substrate, an n-type diffusion layer region and a p-type diffusion layer region formed adjacent to each other on the light-receiving surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode electrically connected to the n-type diffusion layer region, a second electrode electrically connected to the p-type diffusion layer region, an adhesive layer formed on the opposite surface of the semiconductor substrate and containing an inorganic binder and a filler, and a supporting substrate adhered to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: This pressure-regulating device (12) for supplying a gas to a container (4) comprises an inlet (14) intended to be connected to a source (7) of the said gas under pressure, an outlet (16), connected by a duct (31) to the said inlet (14) and intended to be placed in communication with the container (4), a first valve (36) for limiting the pressure at the said outlet (16) to a predetermined maximum value Ps, which valve (36) is a delivery valve placed in a first passage (34) which connects the said duct (31) to an orifice (27) for discharging inert gas. The device (12) also comprises a second valve (39) for keeping the pressure at the said outlet (16) above a predetermined minimum value Pi, which valve (39) is an intake valve placed in a second passage (35) which connects the said duct (31) to an orifice (27) that lets fluid into this duct.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for use with a vessel that receives fluid includes a body engageable with the vessel. The body has an inlet port, an outlet port, a body cavity, a first fluid path disposed between the inlet port and body cavity, and a second fluid path disposed between the body cavity and the outlet port. A filter is disposed at least partially in the body cavity, and includes a filter cavity and filter media for filtering the fluid. A valve is associated with the body for allowing the fluid to flow into and out of the vessel. When the fluid flows into the vessel, the fluid flows through the filter cavity and along the first fluid path without flowing through the filter media. When the fluid flows out of the vessel, the fluid flows along the first fluid path, through the filter media and along the second fluid path.

Abstract: In an air passage switching device using a film-type sliding door for an air-conditioning unit for a vehicle. A grid member is provided in an air passage to extend parallel with the sliding direction of a sliding door and divide an opening of the air passage into a plurality of smaller openings. The sliding door has a film member, a door plate supporting the film member, and elastic pressing means for pressing the film member against edge seal faces of the air passage. A grill spacing between the door plate and the end face of the grid member, is larger than an edge seal face spacing between the door plate and the edge seal faces.

Abstract: A device for stopping a leak in a pipe having at least one crack, including an elastomer sheet applied against the crack with a force applicator and a clamping mechanism arranged around the pipe for applying a force on the force applicator. The force applicator includes shearing elements preferably consisting of a first group of rigid parallel partitions and a second group of parallel partitions arranged perpendicularly to the partitions of the first group, the partitions being arranged perpendicularly to the pipe and applying shearing efforts on the elastomer sheet on the site of the crack, forcing the elastomer to be deformed so as to match the shape of the crack, thereby stopping it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer hose comprising:

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste disposal system through the use of a bag 14 with removable glove members 20, 22, a removable and replaceable splash shield 17, a drain line tube 32, and a refill tube 48 in order to service aircraft lavatories. Through the use of the bag 14, the ramp attendant, the aircraft ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.

Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.

Abstract: A chopping machine for cutting and splitting a timber, said chopping machine comprising a crosscutting device (1) for cutting the timber, a feeder (2) for feeding the timber in its longitudinal direction to the crosscutting device, a splitting apparatus (4) operated by a splitting cylinder (3) for splitting a cut block of timber, said feeder comprising two elongated supporting surfaces (5, 6) forming a substantially horizontal trough open in the upward direction, into which the timber to be treated can be placed. According to the invention, one of the supporting surfaces (5, 6) is connected to a power means for moving the supporting surface back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the trough, and the supporting surfaces (5, 6) are provided with directional holding elements (7) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the trough to prevent the timber from moving in relation to the surface away from the crosscutting device (1).

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer for use in the fabrication of semiconductor devices which includes a circular wafer (13) of semiconductor material having a perimeter and a notch (11) having a wall disposed in the wafer and extending to the perimeter which includes a preferably rounded apex (5) interior of the perimeter and a pair of rounded intersections (7, 9) between the wall and the perimeter. The notch is formed with a tool (23) for forming rounded corners in the semiconductor wafer which includes a body of a material having a hardness greater than the semiconductor wafer which has a generally rounded or paraboloidally shaped front portion having a forwardmost tip (25) portion and a wing portion (27) extending outwardly from the body and having a taper narrowing in the direction of the forwardmost tip portion. The wing portion can be one or more spaced apart wing members or the wing portion can be a single member which extends completely around the tool axis.

Abstract: The newly proposed cast aluminum alloy product has the composition consisting of 6.5-8.0% Si, 0.25-0.45% Mg, 0.08-0.40% Fe, 0.001-0.01% Ca, P less than 0.001%, 0.02-0.1% Ti, 0.001-0.01% B, optionally one or two of 0.05-0.3% Cr and 0.05-0.2% Mn, and the balance being Al except inevitable impurities. It has the metallurgical structure that an &agr;-Al phase in a surface layer is of average grain size different by 50 &mgr;m or less from an &agr;-Al phase in an inner part, and that a maximum size of eutectic Si particles is 400 &mgr;m or smaller. It is manufactured by injecting a molten aluminum alloy into metal dies at an injection speed of 0.05-0.25 m/second, and then cooling the injected alloy at a cooling speed of 20° C./or higher in a temperature range between liquidus and solidus curves in a state charged with a pressure of 30 MPa or higher. Since the cast product is good of ductility, it is used as a member for coupling another member therewith by calking or the like.

Abstract: A process for producing clad pipe comprises forming a hollow body (S10) of base material, bonding a cladding material metallurgically to the base material (S12) to form a composite body and subsequently extruding the composite body to form a pipe. This process allows the metallurgical bond to be validated using non-destructive methods prior to extrusion. Any areas that are unbonded will be detected, thereby reducing wastage. Moreover, because the metallurgical bond is achieved prior to extrusion, the cladding thickness is controlled during the extrusion process, avoiding migration of the clad material into the base material by disproportionate amounts.

Abstract: A device having electrical contacts formed from an alloy having improved wear resistance is provided, the alloy being particularly useful in microrelay devices formed by MEMS technology. In one embodiment, the alloys are chosen to allow sufficient precipitation hardening to improve wear resistance, but keep precipitation below a level that would unacceptably reduce electrical conductivity. This is achieved by using alloying materials that have very limited or no solid solubility in the noble metal matrix, e.g., less than 4 wt. % solid solubility. In a second embodiment, an alloy contains a noble metal matrix and insoluble, dispersoid particles having no solubility in the matrix, these dispersoid particles offering a similar strengthening mechanism.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire and a method for manufacturing the same, a device for forming a band of radial tire, and a method of and device for forming a belt-band-tread rubber assembly. The pneumatic tire including a belt arranged on the radially outer side or a carcass, and a band arranged on the radially outer side of the belt and composed of continuous one to several organic fiber cords wound spirally and approximately parallel to the circumferential direction of the tire. The radial tire manufacturing method including the steps of laminating the predetermined number of belt plies on a belt drum or belt ring for forming a belt, and winding one to several organic fiber cords continuously and spirally in the cicumferential direction of the belt on the outer surface of the formed belt in order to form a band.

Abstract: Motor vehicle wheel including a wheel rim and a tire having a tire interior enclosed by the wheel rim and the tire. The tire is mounted on the wheel rim, and the wheel also includes an insert composed of a ring-shaped sound-absorbing material that is positioned within the tire interior. The wheel further includes an acoustically transparent support element having tensile strength, at least in a circumferential direction of the tire, that is coupled to the insert.

Abstract: Forming solder bumps each having a constant height by surely supplying onto each of electrode pads a solder ball corresponding to a predetermined volume while omitting Au plating performed on the electrode pads onto which the solder bumps are to be formed. For achieving the forming of the solder bumps, the adhesive film is formed instead of the Au plating, the adhesive film being used as an oxidation-preventing film and as film for temporarily fixing each of the solder balls, the solder balls being supplied by stencil mask or the vacuum adsorbing mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to on-site repairs of a composite structure (10) such as an aircraft structure in which a concave recess (14) is machined in the damaged zone, a non-polymerized composite part (16) is set into said recess and part (16) is polymerized under pressure using tooling (18) comprising a stack of plates (32) that increase the pressure applied to the composite part. The present invention thus obtains invisible repairs with mechanical characteristics that are similar to those of the initial structure.

Abstract: A strip member is wound by a tire building machine having a building drum for taking up a strip member of predetermined length without discrete ends and a transfer conveyor for feeding the strip member to the building drum. The winding-start end of the strip member transferred from the transfer conveyor to the building drum and the winding-finish end of the strip member are detected by means of end sensors, measuring the angle through which the building drum has rotated from the output of a winding start signal to the output of a winding finish signal in response to output signals from the sensors by means of an angle detector. A lapping margin between the winding start end and the winding finish end of the strip member is calculated based on the rotational angle and diameter of the building drum by means of an operational means.

Abstract: The disclosed method can manufacture a thick-walled cylindrical part of an excellent quality which is free from the interlayer separation, by using a fiber reinforced plastic composite material.

Abstract: A decoloring apparatus for an image forming material comprising means for bringing a solvent into contact with an image forming material formed on a paper sheet and containing a color former, a developer and a decolorizer, and means for removing a residual solvent from the paper sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a finger tape for aiding bowling. The thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger are inserted into holes formed in a bowling ball. Upon bowling, a player grips the ball by inserting the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger into the holes formed in the ball. For releasing and rolling the ball, the thumb is instantly slipped out of the hole, followed by the middle finger and the ring finger while spinning the ball. Accordingly, an elasticized cotton tape with gravure printed acryl resin adhesive having different effects depending on actions of the fingers is attached to the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger to obtain effective bowling results, wherein the thumb tape slides easily and the finger tape provides better grip, based on differing amounts of hardener in the adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a solid polymer film with a catalyst sufficiently deposited thereon preheats a solid polymer film and then hot presses this solid polymer film together with a catalyst carrier film. Hot pressing the solid polymer film while it is soft from preheating increases the bond strength between the solid polymer film and the catalyst such that separation of the catalyst from the solid polymer film during film separation can be prevented. Moreover, keeping the catalyst carrier film cool prior to hot pressing and making the temperature on the catalyst carrier film side slightly lower that than on the solid polymer film side during hot pressing inhibits an increase in binding strength between the film and the catalyst, and thereby improves separation of the film.

Abstract: A PTC element with reduced thickness is manufactured are lower cost by forming an electrode layer on a surface of a flat-plate-shaped PTC material, such that it extends over the upper and lower surfaces and at least one of the side surfaces thereof, and forming an upper surface electrode and a lower surface electrode so that the terminals thereof are positioned on one of the surfaces of the PTC material, by partially removing the electrode layer 11 to segment it into a region where the electrode layer 11 is present on either of the upper or lower surfaces of the PTC material 1 and a region where it extends over the upper and lower surfaces as well as a side surface.

Abstract: This invention is a low viscosity high reactivity unsaturated resin composition useful for making car and truck parts having superior surface smoothness. The parts are made under slight vacuum so that monomer fumes are reduced in comparison with other molding processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anisotropic conductive adhesive having an adhesive layer and conductive particles individually adhered to the adhesive layer, the conductive particles being arranged in an ordered array. The size of the conductive particles is at least somewhat smaller than the thickness of the adhesive layer. Also disclosed is an anisotropic conductive adhesive having an adhesive layer, conductive particles individually adhered to the adhesive layer, and a release liner having an ordered array of dimples. The conductive particles reside in a single layer in the dimples. The anisotropic conductive adhesive is made by placing the conductive particles in an ordered array of dimples on a low adhesion surface. An adhesive layer is then laminated on top such that the conductive particles individually adhere to the adhesive layer. The anisotropic conductive adhesive may be used to electrically connect fine pitch electrodes on opposing circuit layers.

Abstract: A coating film peeling apparatus 1 comprises: a cylinder unit 10 having a loading mouth 12 on one end side and an outlet 13 on the other end side; a rotary member 20 rotatably inserted into the cylinder 11 of the cylinder unit 10 and having a protrusion 21 on its outer circumference; and a drive unit 30 for driving the rotary member 20 rotationally. The coating films are peeled from the base resin material of the coarsely crushed products 50 by loading either the coarsely crushed products 50 or the coarsely crushed products 50 and an abrasive in the cylinder 11 from the loading mouth 12 and by conveying the loaded products in the cylinder 11 while rubbing the same by the rotation of the rotary member 20.

Abstract: There is provided an inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus for generating uniform and stable plasma at a high density. The plasma processing apparatus for semiconductors for processing an object to be processed utilizing plasma comprises an evacuated reaction chamber for processing the object to be processed therein, an antenna formed by a plurality of linear conductors provided in the reaction chamber and an RF power supply connected to one end of the plurality of linear conductors. The antenna is formed by at least three linear conductors disposed such that they radially extend from the center of the antenna at equal intervals from each other, and each of the linear conductors is connected to the ground at one end thereof and is connected to the RF power supply at the other end. An insulating process is provided on the surface of the linear conductors of said antenna.

Abstract: A wafer processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a chuck arranged in the processing chamber for supporting a wafer, and a pedestal which is spaced apart from the chuck. A first gas layer is provided between the chuck and the wafer and a second gas layer is provided in the space between the pedestal and the chuck. The pressure of the first gas layer is controlled to be in a pressure range in which a thermal conductivity of the first gas layer is substantially constant with respect to changes in pressure of the first gas layer and the pressure of the second gas layer is controlled so as to control an amount of heat transferred to/from the pedestal.

Abstract: A substrate holder and an electrode are arranged facing each other in a vacuum chamber. The electrode is provided with a process gas introduction mechanism and a gas blowoff plate. A substrate is loaded on the substrate holder, the process gas is introduced, and electric power is supplied between the substrate holder and the electrode to generate plasma for etching the substrate surface. At the rear side of the gas blowoff plate in the vacuum chamber, a plurality of magnets is provided at concentric positions. The magnetic field strength resulting from the magnets on the surface of the substrate is made 0 Gauss. By using the magnets in this way and improving the magnets, it is possible to establish a better etching process for various materials to be etched.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafers in the present invention includes first and second processing chambers isolated from each other, an isolation chamber coupled to each processing chamber, a single first type vacuum pump alternatively pumping down the first and second processing chambers through the isolation chamber, wherein the first type vacuum pump can pump down the first processing chamber when a wafer is loaded or unloaded in the second processing chamber, and the first type vacuum pump can pump down the second processing chamber when a wafer is loaded or unloaded in the first processing chamber, a wafer processing source chamber having a wafer processing source, the wafer processing source chamber being coupled to the first and second processing chambers and the isolation chamber, and a plurality of second type vacuum pumps coupled to the first and second processing chambers and the wafer processing source chamber.

Abstract: In a joint arm awning comprising joint arms disposed on a support pipe, with an awning fabric extending between a drop-out pipe and a fabric roll which is disposed on a fabric roll shaft and with the portion of the fabric roll and the drop-out pipe being covered by a cover when the drop-out pipe is retracted, it is provided that the cover is corrugated or ribbed or serrated cross-sectionally and longitudinal grooves thus formed are substantially parallel to the support pipe.

Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes a curtain rod and a plurality of inserts coupled to the curtain rod. Distributed about the polygonal cross-section of the curtain rod are surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-coplanar with respect to each other. The inserts are coupled to these surfaces such that the inserts' respective external faces, having a first portion of a hook and loop fastener thereon, are disposed for attachment thereto from different directions. Preferably, the inserts may slide along the curtain rod to be positionable at any desired position. One or more window treatment panels may be attached to the curtain rod via the inserts using hook and loop fastener of a complementary type to the hook and loop fastener on the inserts.